Chapter 105 - Titanium Ring

Across the nation of Aeros, news of the young master's marriage was announced. Soldiers flew from one village to another, spreading the word. 

The nation's rehabilitation was almost complete, and Theo meant to celebrate it with the marriage of his son and Amanda. 

From the great halls of Aeros' castle, Theo called for the two. The ruler of the land was sitting on his chair as he faced Amanda and Christopher. He said, "Your wedding will be in a month's time. That day, we will open the gates to other nations, inviting the rulers from other lands. We will let them know that Aeros is now a new nation, one with power and prosperity."

"Your marriage will be the symbol of power for Aeros - a nation not to be fumbled with. It is essential for them to recognize this so other nations will no longer look down on us!"

Amanda's brows furrowed. For years, the masters of the earth and its previous generations have always kept secret the powers of the spirit, but Aeros wishes to announce this openly to the other nations. 

"Master Theo, not that I disagree with your plans, but would not that invite other nations and try to conquer us - especially those who are greedy to come after us?" Amanda suggested. 

Christopher turned to Amanda, nodding. He looked at his father and said, "That might just be true, father. Just like what happened with Oscoria, the reason why they came after me."

"I have already considered that. It is a risk, but at least we would know the other nations for their true colors." Theo stood up and walked in front of them. He put both hands to their shoulders and said, "Besides, the powers only belong to you, right? It's not like they could take it away?"

Both the masters nodded. Christopher said, "That's right, father."

"Then, there is nothing to be worried about," said Theo. "At your wedding, I also meant to make alliances with other lands. Hopefully, greed will not destroy such an alliance."

It was a custom for the current ruler to arrange the wedding of their successor, not like on earth where the couple made most of the preparation. In conclusion, Amanda and Christopher would simply sit back, get their clothes fitted, and wait for the special day. 

Abasi had earlier spoken to them in their heads. The master of time and space was headed for Venus to learn about the powerful sword in Amanda's hand. He may be gone for a few days while conducting his investigation. 

Thus, Amanda and Christopher would not be called for to earth, not unless another monster would strike. Abasi would be forced to return prematurely. 

Christopher instead focused on filling their nation with water, jumping from one town to another in the succeeding days. From lakes to small creeks, wells, and their water storage centers. 

Aeros were now moving to construct pipes and water passages throughout the land. In that way, they can return to planting crops once again. 

Three days passed, and Amanda was feeling grumpy. She still didn't have her engagement ring yet. She gave Christopher the cold shoulders the entire day as they roamed around the nation. 

After surveying the progress of their newly planned water system in the land, Christopher invited Amanda to soar the skies above. 

"Hey Amanda, how far high can your wings take you? Have you ever gone above the clouds?" He challenged before abruptly letting out his wings. He thrust it out so resolutely that his wings swung out the movable objects near him from where they stood. 

She scoffed and said, "Are you kidding me? Fire can withstand anything."

The two of them were standing in the middle of the construction site where they were building enormous water tanks by the lake. From a safe distance, away from any living or any combustible materials, Amanda let out her flames. 

She hated burning her clothes completely, but her man presented a challenge that she could not refuse. 

In less than a minute, her phoenix wings spread across her back and she had transformed into her second skin. She turned to him and said, "In the count of three. Ready? One, two - "

Amanda flew up, anyway, even before the third count!

"Urrggggh! This woman!" Christopher immediately followed, soaring high above. 

Amanda may be the master of fire, but Christopher had had wings all his life. He easily caught up with her, speeding to the sky. 

Excitement completely engulfed the two, feeling the wind against their faces, shooting up at high speed.

Amanda's flames would sometimes act to fade, but she ignited it further in each kilometer that past. 

More than half an hour, they finally reached the clouds. Christopher made it first, followed by Amanda."

Relieved that she made it, she further lit herself up before settling to stay afloat. Her flames were brighter than the last.

She looked down in awe, utterly forgetting the presence of Christopher. "Woah! This is high!" Her face turned fragile, and she remarked, "But from up here, it's so beautiful."

She could only see the formations of land and how the colors of the soil layered with each other. Across the sky, she saw thin clouds stretching as far as her eyes could see. 

"It's really so beautiful from here," she repeated. 

"Not as beautiful as you," remarked Christopher. 

Amanda could hear the flapping of his wings coming closer to her, but she ignored it, merely looking down and across her. 

She suddenly felt Christopher hugged her tight and her fire extinguished in seconds while remaining in her second skin. She became reliant on him, clinging to his arms, unable to fly. 

"Why did you put out my fire?" Amanda asked with a frown while turning to face him with difficulty. 

"Grip on to me tight," he ordered.

While holding Amanda with only one hand, he reached for the pocket of his trousers. He had to fly in an inclined position to keep her resting on his chest. He took out a black titanium ring, the most heat resistant metal, and gave it to her.

She quickly grabbed it so he can do a better job of holding her. 

While hugging him tightly, Amanda studied the ring from behind Christopher's head. It was uniquely designed, seemingly splitting at the center, but instead, it held a four-carat diamond. 

"Amanda, master of fire, I love you. Will you marry me and make me the happiest man in my universe and that of yours?" Christopher asked while swiveling their bodies as they remain above the clouds. 

They could not see their faces, merely remaining in a tight embrace, but the beating of their hearts expressed their every emotion. 

Overjoyed, she smiled before quickly putting on her finger. She was overwhelmed with the satisfaction of knowing they would finally be one in the eyes of his people soon. 

She sightly loosened her hold on him and turned her gaze to his handsome face. She reached for his lips, raising her torso and pecked it. "Of course, I'll marry you! I love you, Chris! I feel like maybe... even if we weren't fated to be together, I would still wind up loving you - Ahhh!"

Christopher brought her further higher to the sky, adding to the thrill. Only when they settled on a good spot, did Christopher returned to rotating themselves. 

Both feeling nostalgic, they slowly leaned closer and shared a passionate kiss above the clouds.